Precautionary steps are being taken regarding Zika virus, no need to worry: Kerala government

The Kerala government on Sunday said that elaborate precautionary measures are being taken to avoid the spread of Zika virus and people need not worry.

The state government has given this assurance after eight cases of Zika virus infection were confirmed in Kannur district.

Advising people to remain alert, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said that the virus is spread by Aedes mosquitoes and is generally not harmful. However, it affects pregnant women and can cause birth defects like ‘microcephaly’ in the fetus, he said in a release issued by the health department.

The Health Department has advised that children and the elderly should be especially cautious so that they do not get bitten by mosquitoes. The department said in a statement that cases of Zika virus infection were reported from the Talassery district court in Kannur, following which the district administration has taken detailed precautionary measures like testing pregnant women in the area and issuing guidelines to all hospitals, including private hospitals.